Forget BTech. Zerodha's Nikhil Kamath says only one skill will matter to stay relevant in job market in 10 years
Zerodha co-founder Nikhil Kamath has struck a chord, sparking both debate and reflection across the internet. Drawing from the World Economic Forum's Future of Jobs Report 2025, Kamath's warning isn't just about automation; it's about survival in an evolving world of work where adaptability has become the most valuable skill of all.
'The days of four-year college courses are over. Lifelong learning is the new norm—for everyone.' he declared in his X (formerly Twitter) post.
By 2030, technology is projected to perform 34% of all tasks, up sharply from 22% today. The human share will decline to 33%, while hybrid models—where people and machines collaborate—will also account for a third of work. This quiet but steady encroachment signals a foundational shift in the nature of employment. According to the WEF report, 92 million jobs will be displaced globally by 2030. At the same time, 170 million new jobs will be created, resulting in a net increase of 78 million positions. Yet Kamath emphasizes that this growth hides a critical truth: it is only the adaptable who will benefit. 'You can't rely on what you learned a decade ago,' he says, issuing a call for continuous reinvention. — nikhilkamathcio (@nikhilkamathcio)
Kamath's post resonated deeply with younger audiences, especially as he questioned the very foundation of conventional education. 'What jobs will be relevant in 10 years?' he asks. 'Personally, I think the days of 4-year college courses are over.' His point is reinforced by WEF projections that 39% of today's core skills could be obsolete by the decade's end.
The skills expected to grow fastest include AI and big data, cybersecurity, analytical thinking, creative problem solving, and environmental stewardship. In response, 77% of companies plan to retrain their staff, while 69% will hire AI tool builders. However, a sobering 41% of employers also admit they will downsize roles that are vulnerable to automation. The job market is not only expanding—it is transforming. Green transitions will create over 34 million agricultural jobs, while digital consumer habits will fuel rising demand for software developers and delivery workers. But traditional roles—cashiers, clerks, secretaries—are on the chopping block. This evolution is not just technological but structural. While 63% of businesses already face disruptions due to skill gaps, only 59% of employees are expected to be upskilled. Alarmingly, one in every nine workers may never receive the reskilling they urgently need.
Beyond technology, hiring priorities are being reshaped by inclusion goals. In India, 95% of employers now claim to have Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) priorities. Globally, women (76%), people with disabilities (56%), and Gen Z workers (52%) top the inclusion agenda. Still, even as 75% of employers express confidence in nurturing internal talent, 38% remain unsure about the adequacy of skills in new hires.
Kamath's post sparked a wave of reactions from netizens. Some echoed his concerns, citing the irreplaceable value of upskilling. 'AI will change the game but it will create new jobs,' wrote one user. Another warned, 'Tech may outperform memory or speed, but it can't replace trust, meaning, or real connection.' Others, however, pushed back, calling online certificate-based education a 'scandal,' advocating instead for reforming undergraduate education to ensure quality and depth. A common thread emerged in the responses: the difficulty of self-regulated learning. Many users emphasized that while upskilling is critical, not everyone thrives outside structured environments. As machines grow smarter, roles become more fluid, and skills lose their shelf life faster than ever before, Kamath's message rings loud and clear: those who resist change risk becoming obsolete. The future of jobs isn't just about adapting to technology—it's about transforming mindsets, embracing flexibility, and committing to perpetual learning. In an era where the rules of employment are being rewritten, the question is no longer 'What do you do?' but 'How fast can you evolve?'
( Originally published on Jun 26, 2025 )
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